Metal plank for railroad-crossings.



No. 685,979. Patented Nov. 5, 19m. a. A. nsnen.

METAL PLANK FOR BAILBUAD CROSSINGS.'

(Application med'mu s, 1901.

(.lo liodgl.)

INVENTOR WITNESSES ATTORNEY V UNITED STATES ATENT GFFI E.

GEJRGE A. FISHER, OF LOGANSPORT, INDlANA.

METAL PLANK Foe RAILROAD-CROSSINGS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 685,979, dated Novemberi, 1901. Application filed July 8, 1901. Serial No. 67,386" (No model.)

trated in the accompanying drawings, in

whieh 4 v Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the planks placed in position between and outside Fig. 2 is a view showing an end side elevationof an extension-plank. Fig. 4.

as. sides 9.

shows the application of the end extensionplank to the long plank. Fig. 5 is a side elevation showing a continuous plank with tapered ends: Fig-6 is an endview of the above plank; I I The plank-A is of metaiand is cast at'the foundry. The said planks are provided with surface of the plank to be elevated to a suitable height above the ties 8 or to suit the lrei'gli. .of the an E. To hold the planks in position and firmly on the ties 8, the bolts 10 are provided at each end of the plank. Each 'bolt has an adjustable eye'or npt with a roundhole in it. Throughthe said nut 11 a suitable iron rod 12is passed. This rod 12 after passing through the nuts 11 is also passed under the rails B and thence through the projected side 13 of the plankC and provided-with anut 14:, thereby providing means to draw the planks C firmly against the rails B. The planks E are provided with curved flanges 15. The object of this is to prevent hoot's of the horses from becoming fastened in between the rail and plank. Before the rod 12 is put through the nuts 11 the said nuts are lined up to the same level and then the rods inserted.

The object .of these is to cause the Where a very long crossing-plank is necessary, I have provided an end extension-plank, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4. The said plank is tapered at one end and is held in position by the spikes 16. I also reserve the right to .i-tse a plank having tapered. ends, as shown n Figs. 5 and 6, and the said tapered ends being part of the plank itself and adapted to be held by spikes 16 or a rod similar to red 12. The above plank will be used only'where crossings are narrow and planks not to be of unusual length.

To lessen the chances of any animal from slipping while passing over the crossing, I

have arranged to have the surface of the planks roughened or cross-hatched, as shown partly at 17 in Fig. 1 and at 18 in Fig. 2.

The same planks may be used to any rail without regard to height by using liners between the crossties and planks and the bolts:

being lengthened out.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. As an improved article, of manufacture a metal plank for railroad-crossings, formed with depending sides and provided with de pending holding means at the ends, as set forth.

2. A metal plank for railroad-crossings,

provided with depending sides 9, holding means 10 disposed between said sides, and tapered ends adapted to receive securing means, substantially as described. 3. The combination of plank A, the plank O, the plank E and tho interposed rail B, the said planks being provided with sides J, with the adjustable eyebolts, the said eyebolts being adapted to receive the rod 12 thereby providing means to adjust and tighten the said planks,.substantially as described.

GEORGE A. FISHER.

- Witnesses:

A; Gonnon, J osnrn MiNnEMAN. 

